January 31, 2008

CALAIS, MAINE Starting today, Thursday, January 31, 2008 U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers began asking to see two pieces of identification if folks entering the United States by car did not have a passport. Acceptable documention for adults includes a drivers license as a form of government-issued photo ID and a birth certificate as a proof of citizenship. Children under 18 year old just need a birth certificate. US Border officers will educate the general public about the new entrance requirements until June 2009 and not turn otherwise eligible travelers away at the border.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security created the stricter entrance controls in to the United States as part of the their Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.